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Chapter 86 - Lost Memories: What's A Diamond?

The 80th birthday of Damian Royce Gion was celebrated in the grand mansion of the wealthy Gion family. The family started as simple delivery man with eight children; one became a doctor, two became successful influencers, one became a professional star athlete, two ran a band under a successful indie label, one became a worldwide celebrity, and one became a trader. 

Luck is on the generation; they joined their wealth together to live together in one big family, building a grand mansion on top of the hill. After the sun sets, the golden lights turn the mansion into a golden building.

It's a classy party, with only elites invited. Top actors, musicians, the wealthiest traders, and other high-profile guests fill the grand hall. Security is tight—there are even snipers stationed on the roof, guarding every part of the building in case anyone gets any ideas about stealing the most expensive birthday present for Gion Senior.

A stunning woman, adorned with high-quality makeup, diamond earrings, and a glittering black dress that shimmered like a universe in motion, stood gracefully at the entrance, welcoming guests into the mansion. 

Etienne approached with his usual charm, dressed in a sleek black gown that fit him with effortless grace. A high slit added a hint of flair, while gold chains draped across his open back, catching the light as he moved. He took the woman's hand, pressing a polite kiss to it, and offered a dazzling smile—both confident and playful. 

She barely noticed him at first, too busy greeting guests. With his flowing top and loose-cut pants, he had the look of a salsa dancer. But his face stood out—flawlessly contoured, sharp eyeliner defining his striking eyes, and deep red lips adding just the right touch of drama.

"Oh? Are you one of the dancers?" she asked, finally taking a proper look at him. 

Etienne chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "Not exactly," he replied smoothly. "Etienne Bellamy, opera actor." He gave a small, dramatic bow. "Though I suppose I wouldn't mind twirling around if the music is right." 

The woman watched him with amusement—such a charming young man, and handsome too. 

"You must be Mr. Gion's wife. Absolutely stunning," Etienne said, offering another polite smile. 

"Yes, I am. How do you know my husband?" the woman asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes. 

"Relative—let's say we have common friends," Etienne nodded smoothly. Then, with a playful smirk, he added, "But don't worry about me. I'm just here to look pretty and do my best to confuse people about whether the third gender actually exists or not." He touched his chest modestly, the teasing glint in his eyes never fading. His ash-blonde hair, styled in tighter curls than usual, framed his face perfectly. With his striking beauty, he was bound to leave people wondering. 

"I'm sure you are—you already look gorgeous!" she said warmly. "I hope you enjoy the party." She gestured toward the ballroom hall, not far from the foyer, where the celebration was in full swing.

Just as Etienne reached for a glass of champagne, scanning the room for a handsome man to charm, his phone beeped.

It was Daddy G.

"Meet me in my room. Now."

Etienne rolled his eyes. How did he know when he arrived? With a sigh, he turned to find Daddy G's room.

As he made his way through the crowd, his gaze landed on a striking action movie star—broad shoulders, a sharp jawline, the picture of masculine perfection. Timing it just right, Etienne sauntered toward him, and just before they could collide, he smoothly placed a hand on the actor's waist, guiding them both into a graceful spin to avoid the bump.

The actor raised an eyebrow, about to apologize, but Etienne simply blew a playful kiss with two fingers and walked on, a smirk tugging at his lips.

He was quite satisfied. Those abs were as firm as they looked.

If this weren't Daddy G's territory, Etienne would have gladly tested the waters with that handsome actor—just to see if he had a taste for flamboyant men.

After asking a few servants, he finally found Daddy G's room, which looked more like a luxury condo than a bedroom. It even had its own pantry. A stove? In a bedroom? A mystery, but at least he'd arrived before Daddy G had the chance to start blowing up his phone for taking too long.

As soon as Etienne stepped inside, his black dress clinging to his figure, gold chain slings resting elegantly on his waist, Daddy G smirked. Etienne knew that look all too well.

"Looks like you love what you see, Daddy." He flicked his hair back with a graceful sweep of his hand, every bit the tease.

"Get over here before I wreck that dress," Daddy G ordered.

Etienne moved toward him without hesitation, his heels clicking softly against the polished floor.

The moment he was within reach, Daddy G grabbed him, strong arms pulling him in. Without warning, he dipped Etienne backward and crushed their lips together in a passionate kiss.

***

While unseen fire burned behind the closed doors of John Kasper Gion's room, the guards remained on high alert. They had been warned—a thief was coming, someone bold enough to steal the priceless GOLIX watch, the extravagant birthday gift for Gion Sr.

Amid the festive chaos, a man dressed in a sleek black suit with glittering borders arrived, slipping effortlessly into the crowd of salsa dancers hired to entertain the guests before the grand gift unveiling.

He moved with the grace of a seasoned performer, his broad shoulders carrying his lean but muscular frame with ease. A shadow of five o'clock stubble darkened his chiseled jaw, adding a rugged charm to his otherwise polished appearance. His slicked-back brown hair gleamed under the golden lights, the slight sheen of oil making him look both refined and dangerously enticing.

His presence was no joke. Every woman in the vicinity took notice, their gazes lingering for at least three seconds—long enough to register his undeniable allure, yet too short to openly admit their fascination.

The guards checked his ID, scrutinizing it before nodding in approval. "Welcome, Mr. Jared Gauthier," one of them said.

Byron retrieved his faked ID with a smooth nod, flashing a charming smile as he stepped inside. His eyes locked onto John Kasper Gion's wife, who, in that fleeting moment, wished she were single.

As soon as the salsa dancers entering their dressing room, the manager gives instruction on when to show up, and what to do, also the door they can use after performance. Byron listens, but it doesnt matter, he just wait patiently until the manager end his instruction and he walk out to find a toilet. 

***

Etienne fixes his dress, making sure no liquid is visible on the fabric or his skin, then proceeds to comb his hair. As he does so, John Kaspar Gion stands behind him, wrapping his palm around Etienne's neck and gripping it.

He leans down to kiss Etienne's lips, to which Etienne responds with submissive gentleness. When the kiss ends, he maintains eye contact and flashes a gentle smile. Daddy loves it that way.

"Come with me. I'll show you something," John says, leading the way.

Etienne follows him down a corridor and descends the stairs to the janitor's room, where they pass through another hallway, seemingly deserted. On the wall, a sculpture of Aris—the god of male fertility in Herarian ancient culture—stands tall. John twists a lever disguised as Aris's weapon, and a secret door opens.

"Interesting," Etienne whistles.

"I'm about to show you something you've never seen before." John leads Etienne into a maze-like passage that opens into a room. At the center, a small table is tightly guarded by red infrared lights. On the table rests the GOLIX watch—an all-24-carat diamond timepiece, the most expensive watch in the entire universe.

"Oh, no way..." Etienne chuckles. "Why are you showing me this?"

John deactivates the infrared security and steps into the room, with Etienne following behind. He gestures for Etienne to admire the watch.

But Etienne only glances at him, barely sparing the watch a look. "John, really—why are you showing me this?"

"Because..." John suddenly pulls Etienne against his chest in a striking move, making him gasp. "I want to show you that I can provide you with any diamonds you desire—if you stay loyal to me."

"Darling..." Etienne gently brushes off Daddy G's shoulder. "You know I've never cheated on you. Why do you still doubt me?"

"It's not about love. I know you're not stupid enough to do anything dirty behind my back," Daddy G smirks confidently. "I want you to do something for me, and I'll reward you with something like this—if you cooperate."

"Interesting. Are we talking business now?" Etienne tilts his head. "What is it about?"

Daddy G releases him and walks toward the watch, admiring its luxurious brilliance. "I want you to seduce the owner of the Helios."

Etienne stiffens. Helios—a diamond mining company. He already knows where this is going. Daddy G has been talking about it for a while now, wanting to expand his business and take over the company. Mr. Pollo, the owner, has always been his greatest rival. And recently, Daddy G learned that Pollo has a particular taste for young, beautiful men—men like Etienne.

"Make him fight with his family. Destroy his business. Once he falls, I'll take over—and I'll present you with something like this." Daddy G smirks as he turns to face Etienne.

Etienne really just wants to focus on his career as an opera actor. It may not pay as much, but performing on stage, captivating an audience—that's what makes him happy.

"Daddy, you seem to forget that I was born an artist, not a trickster," Etienne rejects him politely. "Creating chaos within a family, turning brothers against each other, or setting father against son—none of that is fun to me."

"Don't you want this glittery thing?" Daddy G raises an eyebrow. To him, beautiful people—whether femboys or women—must love these kinds of luxuries.

"It seems you've misjudged me, Daddy. My talent isn't scheming, it's performing. Your plan won't work with me, and I'd only destroy myself in the process." Etienne turns his back and starts walking away.

"Are you serious?" Daddy G remains confused. Now, suspicion creeps into his mind. Could Etienne be scheming against him? Perhaps working with the police? Pretending to charm him while secretly gaining his trust? Who would refuse a watch made entirely of diamonds?!

"I am serious. And as I walk out of this room, I'll forget everything that happened here." Etienne pauses at the door. "Oh, by the way—you might want to consider upgrading your security. Maybe add a few hungry tigers or something, because I swear... a trained thief could outsmart your outdated system."

With that, Etienne walks away, his voice fading into the distance.

Daddy G remains in the room, staring at the diamond GOLIX watch—still unsure whether Etienne is truly on his side or an undercover cop.

But Etienne merely glances at him, paying no attention to the watch. "John, really—why are you showing me this?"

"Because..." John suddenly pulls Etienne against his chest in a striking move, making him gasp. "I want to show you that I can provide you with any diamonds you desire—if you stay loyal to me."

"Darling..." Etienne gently dusts off Daddy G's shoulder. "You know I've never cheated on you. Why do you still doubt me?"

"It's not about love. I know you're not stupid enough to do anything dirty behind my back," Daddy G smirks confidently. "I want you to do something for me, and if you cooperate, I'll reward you with something like this."

"Interesting. Are we talking business now?" Etienne tilts his head. "What is it about?"

Daddy G releases him and walks toward the watch, admiring its luxurious brilliance. "I want you to seduce the owner of Schevan."

Etienne stiffens. Schevan—a diamond mining company. He already knows where this is going. Daddy G has been talking about it for a while now, wanting to expand his business and take over the company. Mr. Pollo, the owner, has always been his greatest rival. And recently, Daddy G learned that Pollo has a particular taste for young, beautiful men—men like Etienne.

"Make him fight with his family. Destroy his business. Once he falls, I'll take over—and I'll present you with something like this," Daddy G smirks as he turns to face Etienne.

Etienne really just wants to focus on his professional career as an opera actor. It may not pay as much, but performing on stage, captivating an audience—that's what makes him happy.

"Daddy, you seem to forget that I was born an artist, not a trickster," Etienne rejects politely. "Creating chaos within a family, turning brothers against each other, or setting father against son—none of that is fun to me."

"Don't you want this glittering thing?" Daddy G narrow his eyebrows. To him, beautiful people—whether femboys or women—must love anything that's gillters.

"It seems you've misjudged me, Daddy. My talent isn't scheming, it's performing. Your plan won't work with me, and I'd only destroy myself in the process." Etienne turns his back and starts walking away.

"Are you serious?" Daddy G remains confused. Now, suspicion creeps into his mind. Could Etienne be scheming against him? Perhaps working with the police? Pretending to charm him while secretly gaining his trust? Who would refuse a watch made entirely of diamonds?!

"I am serious. And as I walk out of this room, I'll forget everything that happened here." Etienne pauses at the door. "Oh, by the way—you might want to upgrade your security. Maybe add a few AI drones with motion detectors or something, because right now? A thief could practically waltz through your infrared system."

With that, Etienne walks away, his voice fading into the distance.

Daddy G remains in the room, staring at the diamond GOLIX watch—still unsure whether Etienne is truly on his side or an undercover cop.

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